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When most people think about side hustles, they imagine driving for rideshare apps, flipping items online, or doing freelance gigs. But one woodworker discovered that financial freedom could come from something as simple as a small 13×13-inch planter box. What started as a $40 project quickly grew into a business generating $1,000 a week—all by building and selling handcrafted planter boxes.
This story shows how a simple idea, combined with persistence and seasonal demand, can turn into a profitable side hustle.
Key Takeaways
- Low Start-Up Costs – Planter boxes can be built for as little as $10 in materials when using pressure-treated wood.
- High Profit Margins – A pair of cedar planter boxes can sell for $100 or more.
- Seasonal Demand – Springtime is the peak season for planter box sales, especially in southern states.
- Scalable Business – What starts with one size can expand into multiple sizes, custom designs, and bulk orders.
- Beginner-Friendly Project – Requires only basic tools like a saw, tape measure, glue, and a brad nailer (or screws).
The Humble Beginning
It all began with one simple box. A 13×13-inch planter, priced at $40, started attracting attention. Customers soon began asking for bigger boxes, custom orders, and pairs for their entryways. Demand snowballed, turning a weekend woodworking project into a steady cash flow.
Within just two weeks, a friend who tried the same idea earned nearly $2,000 in profit, proving this wasn’t a one-off success but a repeatable side hustle anyone with basic woodworking skills could try.
Why Planter Boxes Sell So Well
Planter boxes are timeless. Homeowners use them to decorate entryways, display ferns, or grow vegetables. The appeal is both aesthetic and practical, which creates repeat demand.
- Pairs Sell Best – Most buyers purchase two for their doorways or porches.
- Customization is Key – Offering different sizes and finishes appeals to more customers.
- Seasonality Creates Urgency – Spring planting season drives a surge in orders.
Cost vs. Profit: The Numbers
The beauty of this business is the margin.
- Pressure-Treated Wood: About $10 per box.
- Cedar Wood: About $20 per box (but lasts longer outdoors).
- Selling Price: $50 each, often sold in pairs for $100.
Even accounting for nails, glue, and labor, the profit margins remain high. Multiply that by consistent weekend production, and hitting $1,000 a week becomes realistic.
Tools Needed (Beginner Friendly)
Unlike many woodworking projects, planter boxes don’t require a fully stocked shop. At the very least, you’ll need:
- Saw (circular saw, skill saw, or miter saw for accuracy)
- Tape measure & pencil
- Brad nailer (or screws and drill)
- Safety gear (glasses and headphones)
- Optional: Planer for a smooth finish
Many builders even start with just a saw and screws, upgrading tools only after profits roll in.
Step-by-Step Overview
- Cut Boards to Size – Following a simple cut list makes repeat production easy.
- Assemble Sides – Use glue and nails (or screws) to connect boards with legs.
- Attach Bottom Boards – Allow room for drainage holes if used for plants.
- Add the Rim – A top trim piece creates a polished, professional look.
- Drill Drainage Holes – Essential for plant health and buyer satisfaction.
Scaling the Business
What starts with one box can grow into an entire product line. Some woodworkers branch into:
- Raised garden beds
- Vertical planters
- Custom stained or painted finishes
- Bulk sales for garden centers or landscapers
Marketing is just as important as the build. Posting on Facebook Marketplace, local buy/sell groups, or Etsy can quickly generate orders, especially during spring.
The Takeaway
Planter boxes may not sound glamorous, but they’re proof that simple, in-demand products can provide serious side hustle income. With low material costs, high profit margins, and strong seasonal demand, anyone with a few tools and a bit of creativity can turn scrap wood into a business making $1,000 a week or more.